This letter of thanks and commendation is not the first, and unfortunately won't be the last, for this valley. But to each of us who have experienced the professional treatment and kindness of our heroic Sun Valley Ski Patrol on the mountain and the medical staff of St. Luke's, it is the most important we can write.

I quite unintentionally skied into a tree last Saturday. From the moment I regained consciousness, the ski patrol and the mountain paramedics began to make choices that saved me from more serious injury. Those included their kind attitude that kept me aware of their actions and gave me confidence. Some day I will be reminded of their names so I can write a P.S. to this letter and thank them individually.

When the team successfully got me to the bottom of the mountain and into the ambulance, the St. Luke's team took over. Again, I experienced the professional

courtesy and incredible attitude that let me know things would be all right. Upon arrival at our first-rate medical facility, where Ketchum's own mayor, Randy Hall, wearing his E.R. paramedic hat, led a team that quickly analyzed the potential of my traumatic injury, ordered the most appropriate tests, came to the conclusion that a life flight was appropriate and made all necessary arrangements. Carol, my nurse, was both competent and comforting, as was the rest of the nursing staff. My family was kept in the information loop and given the greatest of courtesies, as they remained at my side throughout.

Without going on to the point of boring the reader, we who live in and visit this fabulous valley have so much for which to be grateful. So, thank you, Sun Valley Co. and your wonderful mountain staff, thank you, St. Luke's, particularly Randy and Carol, for your kindness and professional care, and thanks to the life-flight guys and the St. Al's trauma team. Thanks to my many friends and family who were in constant contact during these events, and a special thanks to my helmet, without which I would not have been here to write this letter.

The
Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests
throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the
Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's
issue.